Archived Blog

By Athletics Communications

University of Oklahoma

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

9:26 p.m. | OU 69, FAMU 13
Oklahoma moves to 2-0 with a 69-13 win against Florida A&M at Owen Field in Norman. We appreciate your support and thank you for following our live blog. Have a good night. Recap | Stats | Notes | Quotes | Photos | Highlights

9:22 p.m. | Clock Ticking
Drew Allen comes in to take control of the offense with Roy Finch in the backfield. Sooners in business at the 50 with two minutes on the clock.
Finch is running extremely hard here in the waning minutes of the game as the Sooners pound it out.

9:19 p.m. | Bye, Then K-State
Strong showing by the Sooner fans here in Norman for OU's season-opener. Oklahoma will have a bye next weekend before returning to host K-State in the conference opener on Saturday, September 22. After the 'Cats showing today against Miami, should be some buildup for that game.

9:05 p.m. | Make It Four & Attendance
Roy Finch takes it to the house from 15 yards out and becomes the fourth running back to score for Oklahoma. The Sooners have used a balanced offense, with 324 yards on the ground and 313 through the air. Announced attendance for tonight's game is 84,852 for the 81st consecutive sellout here, every game of the Bob Stoops era.

9:05 p.m. | Player With Heart
As if we didn't have enough reasons to write about running back Damien Williams tonight, the Sooner was named the Integris Player With Heart for tonight's game on the big screen. Williams rushed 10 times for 156 yards (15.6 ypc) and four TDs.

9:04 p.m. | Sack Attack
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Marquis Anderson picked up his first career sack to force a third-and-long for FAMU, which the Sooners shut down. A lot of Sooners are getting great experience tonight. OU regains possession at its own 28-yard line.

9:00 p.m. | Count 'Em Up
Dominique Whaley became the third different OU running back to reach the end zone with a 2-yard scoring run. The Sooners are 9-for-9 inside the red zone this evening.

8:54 p.m. | We Head to the 4th
We head to the fourth quarter with Oklahoma firmly in control, 56-13.
Tonight's game marks the 38th time under Coach Stoops that the Sooners have posted 50+ points.

8:49 p.m. | OU Subs
On that last drive, Oklahoma made wholesale substitutions on defense. On this offensive possession, Blake Bell takes control under center with Dom Whaley in the backfield.

8:44 p.m. | First Time on Owen Field
Damien Williams' 156 rushing yards are already the most ever by an OU player in his initial game at Owen Field. Williams has 10 carries for 156 yards and four TDs. 15.6 average not too shabby.

8:39 p.m. | Clay Rolls for Second
Brennan Clay continues the ground theme with a sweep around the right side of the line into the end zone for his second score of the night. Hunnicutt connects and OU is up, 56-10 in the third.

8:35 p.m. | Pounding
Behind the hard-charging legs of Damien Williams and Trey Millard, Oklahoma is pounding the ball on the Rattler defense on this drive. This is where depth and conditioning begin to take their toll in a game like this. By the way, prior to Williams, DeMarco Murray was the last OU player with back-to-back 100-yard rush games (vs. ISU & Texas in 2010).

8:27 p.m. | Holy Smokes!
Damien Williams rips off his fourth touchdown of the game on an 89-yard dash to bring the Sooner fans to their feet. Oklahoma, we have another budding star in the backfield.
OU is up, 49-10. Williams' 89-yard run was the longest since DeMarco Murray's 92-yarder against Utah State in (9/14/07) and ties for the 7th-longest run play in school history.

8:23 p.m. | Coming Home
Thanks to SoonerVision for this excellent music video that welcomed the Sooner players earlier to the field for warmups. Try to watch and not get chills:

8:20 p.m. | Not Still
Junior WR Kenny Stills now has a career-high 10 catches for 120 yards, his fifth career 100-yard game. Stills' five career 100-yard games are fifth in OU history. With those 10 receptions, Stills became the 10th player under Stoops to catch 10 or more passes in a game. It's the 24th occasion under Stoops overall

8:16 p.m. | Brennan Clay
Oklahoma takes its opening possession of the second half down the field and Brennan Clay gets his first TD of the season on a three-yard rumble to put the Sooners up, 42-10.
Eight plays, 67 yards in 2:43. Way to go No. 24.

8:09 p.m. | Something to Watch For?
Justin Brown is the 11th player in Oklahoma football history to produce three plays of 40+ yards in a game. Amazingly, no OU player has four 40+ plays in a single contest.

8:07 p.m. | iPad Apps
Check it out Sooner fans, the OU football gameday programs are now available as an interactive app for the iPad. More info...

7:59 p.m. | Live Facebook Gallery
Don't forget about our live photo gallery on Facebook, which started this morning and has continued throughout the game. Click here or the photo below to see the latest from Norman:

7:48 p.m. | It's Halftime in Norman
FAMU quarterback Damien Fleming takes a knee and the Sooners head into the locker room with a 35-10 lead at intermission.

7:47 p.m. | Speaking of Firsts
An 11-play, 87-yard drive for Oklahoma was capped by freshman WR Trey Metoyer's first career touchdown reception, an 18-yarder in the back corner of the north end zone.

7:41 p.m. | Shepard's First Grab
As the first-half winds down with the Sooners driving, freshman wide receiver Sterling Shepard hauled in his first career catch good for a first down, drawing one of the loudest collective cheers of the day.

7:36 p.m. | FAMU's First Third-Down Conversion Scores
FAMU's first third-down conversion of the game turns out to be a big one. The Rattlers were 0-for-6 on the down before a 75-yard pass from Damien Fleming to Travis Harvey went for a touchdown. It marked the first touchdown that the Sooner defense has given up so far this season.

7:31 p.m. | Brown Sets Up Sooners Again
Justin Brown provided another electrifying punt return (45 yards) to position the Sooners inside the 10-yard line. After a sack, Landry Jones connected with Kenny Stills on third-and-goal from 16 yards out to add to the score.

7:23 p.m. | Guess Who?
A career-long catch of 46 yards for Justin Brown -- despite defensive pass interference on the play -- set up OU's third touchdown of the day, a 15-yard run from Damien Williams. The newcomer has accounted for all three of OU's touchdowns today. Williams is the first Sooner to score three touchdowns in a game since Blake Bell rushed for three TDs against Iowa in the Insight Bowl (12/31/11). Williams also is the first running back to score three touchdowns in a game and three in a half since Dominique Whaley rushed for three touchdowns in the first half against Tulsa (9/3/11).

7:14 p.m. | FAMU Gets on the Board
After a Sooner turnover, the Rattlers were able to get points on the board via an impressive 41-yard field goal from Chase Varnadore. Last week, UTEP missed all three of its FG tries.

7:09 p.m. | Third-Down Defense
Oklahoma has been able to shut down Florida A&M's offense, utilizing the pass rush. The Rattlers, dealing with tremendous crowd noise and OU's defense, are 0-for-5 on third down.

7:03 p.m. | After One
At the end of the first quarter, the Sooners are on top, 14-0, despite the Rattlers' advantage in time of possession. Florida A&M held the ball for 10:14 compared to OU's 4:46. The Sooners were efficient, scoring their first touchdown in a drive that lasted 1:18, while Justin Brown set OU up four yards out for a four-second drive. Each ended with touchdowns from Damien Williams.

6:55 p.m. | Three Carries, Three TDs?
We're double-checking this stat but has Damien Williams scored three TDs on his last three carries? If so, that's some conversion record.

6:51 p.m. | Javon Harris INT
Javon Harris nets his first interception of the season (fourth of his career). In fact, it's the first turnover picked up by Oklahoma in 2012. Harris made a nice, open-field tackle in one of A&M's earlier series. Nice to see No. 30 grabbing the ball for Mike Stoops' secondary.

6:45 p.m. | Williams Powers In
Starting from the four, Landry Jones hands off to Damien Williams and the junior RB powers in for his second score of the night. Oklahoma converts and goes up, 14-0.

6:42 p.m. | Career-Long Return
Brown's punt return is a career-long. The senior had a few 33-yard returns. It was the longest for the Sooners since Ryan Broyles' return in the Fiesta Bowl in 2011 (a 57-yarder).

6:41 p.m. | King, Franklin, Brown
David King almost corrals the A&M QB but flushes him out of the pocket and Aaron Franklin finishes him off (the first sack of his career). The Rattlers now with their third punt of the night. Justin Brown takes it all the way to the house and the refs signal touchdown as the crowd explodes.
The play is under review. Ruling: Brown stepped out of bounds at the four. Sooners will line up at the goal.

6:38 p.m. | Williams Scoring
Williams is the first Sooner to score at least one touchdown in each of the first two games of his career since Ryan Broyles did so against Chattanooga (9/6/08) and Cincinnati (9/13/08).

6:36 p.m. | Touchdown Oklahoma
Junior tailback Damien Williams scores his second touchdown of the season -- and first
career here at Owen Field in front of the Sooner faithful -- on a three-yard scramble to provide Oklahoma a 7-0 lead. That drive covered 67 yards on five plays and took 1:18 off the clock.

6:34 p.m. | Big Plays
Two consecutive big plays for the Sooner offense: Dom Whaley with a big run, then Kenny Stills makes a big, one-handed catch over the middle. After a personal foul on the defense, OU is in business in the red zone at the Florida A&M 16.

6:32 p.m. | Calmus on Ticket
Two possessions for Florida A&M, two timeouts and two false starts. There's been consistent pressure. The Rattlers punt the ball back to the Sooners. SoonerVision is now explaining in a video why former All-American LB Rocky Calmus is featured on today's game ticket. If you didn't know, here's why. The OU fan who nominated Calmus as a Sooner fan favorite (Susan from Tulsa) is now being honored on the field.

6:24 p.m. | Sloppy Start
The game has started sloppy for both teams. Florida A&M has taken a timeout prior to the first snap on both of its first two possessions tonight. The Sooner crowd is starting to warm up and is providing a little noise to accompany the defense.

6:21 p.m. | Belldozer Goes Backwards
Oklahoma's first use of the Belldozer in this game (a third-and-one) is stuffed by Florida A&M for a two-yard loss and OU is forced to punt on its opening possession.
Ball goes back to Rattlers.

6:16 p.m. | Defense Stiffens
Senior DE R.J. Washington gestured to the crowd there on third down. The noise came and both R.J. and Chuka Ndulue helped to crash the pocket. Under duress, A&M QB Damien Fleming went to the ground right before senior DT Jamarkus McFarland provided an Oklahoma welcome.
A&M is forced to punt.

6:12 p.m. | Kickoff
Patrick O'Hara kicked off the home season here at Owen Field and Florida A&M brought it out of the end zone to the 22. Before the first play for the Rattlers, A&M called a timeout.

6:10 p.m. | 2012 Intro Video
After energizing the crowd here in Norman, the 2012 intro video makes its online premiere here at SoonerSports.com. Thanks to the hard work of SoonerVision and Visual Image of OKC!

6:08 p.m. | Coin Toss
The crowd just started its first "Boomer! Sooner!" chant back and forth from the east to west stands.
The captains are at the 50. Florida A&M won the toss and has elected to receive.

6:06 p.m. | Intro Video Electrifies
The intro video just electrified the crowd here at Owen Field and its cut to a live shot of the team leaving the locker room for the field. Corey Nelson and R.J. Washington led the team out.

6:02 p.m. | Sooner Schooner
The Sooner Schooner just made its inaugural lap onto Owen Field for the 2012 season, much to the delight of the capacity crowd. We're just moments away from the intro video and the entrance of the Sooners. The blood is starting to pump faster.

5:54 p.m. | Pride of Oklahoma!
The drums have sounded and the fans are on their feet here at Gaylord Family - Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. The Pride of Oklahoma is marching out in the traditional opening and Sooner fans are obviously loving that football is back here at Owen Field.

5:33 p.m. | Video: Sooners Arrive
Here's a quick feature video showing the Sooners arriving earlier this afternoon to the stadium to head for the locker room and begin preparing to take the field. Thanks to Andrew Lentz here in OU Athletics Digital Media!

5:21 p.m. | Coaches Meet
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and Florida A&M head coach
Joe Taylor met at the big OU logo in the middle of Owen Field here as the teams warmed up prior to the game. Florida A&M players are sporting their orange helmets decked with green Rattler logos and white jerseys with orange numbers trimmed in green over white pants and shoes. The Sooners are in their traditional home uniforms with crimson helmets and jerseys over white pants and shoes. The stadium is beginning to fill up.

5:05 p.m. | Warmups
After a brutal summer, it's an absolutely perfect day to play football in the Sooner State. Temps should be right around 80 at kickoff and falling slowly throughout the game. Florida A&M players and the Sooners are warming up on the field right now. OU students (who enter the stadium 30 minutes prior to the general public) are in place and chanting "Boomer, Sooner". Yes, it feels like football time in Oklahoma!

5:04 p.m. | Instagram Photos
Below are some images captured by Sooner fans on gameday. Using the hashtags #Sooners and #BeatFAMU on Instagram, we were able to locate some of the best pics. Keep using the hashtag throughout this evening's contest on Instagram and Twitter:

5:01 p.m. | Owen Field
We're set up on the 50 yard line at Owen Field right behind the team and ready to bring you the action as the Sooners open at home against Florida A&M. Kickoff is slated for shortly after 6 p.m. Thanks for joining us and Boomer Sooner!

2:18 p.m. | 360 View of Stadium
It's a Sooners World and we're all just living in it. Spin around Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium with the interactive 360 Panorama shot below and click here for other dynamic ways to view the image:

1:38 p.m. | Live Gameday Photo Gallery
Can't make it to Norman for gameday? Don't worry. We'll make you feel like you're here. Click this link or the photo below for a live photo gallery, which will be updated throughout the day:

11:24 a.m. | Making of Intro Video
Here's a feature from Sooner Sports TV taking fans behind the scenes of the making of this season's intro video. As we mentioned earlier in the blog, actor Ed Harris provides the voice this year. Fans in the stands at Owen Field will have the first opportunity to see the video at tonight's game. Then, we'll post the video here in our live gameday blog. Are you ready?

10:55 a.m. | ESPN Insider: Don't Panic
Phil Steele, famous for his annual college football preview magazine, makes bold predictions special to ESPN Insider each week. In the latest edition, "Oklahoma will be just fine." Steele expects the Sooners to improve and at the very least, win another Big 12 championship.ESPN Insider: Sooners Will Be Just Fine

10:33 a.m. | Look Who's Back
Former OU basketball stars and brothers Blake and Taylor Griffin will be in attendance at today's home opener. Blake told us he won't be attempting any dunks on the goalposts, but each Griffin did share their thoughts on being in Norman for gameday:

Full interviews with the duo will be available early next week on SoonerSports.com. For behind-the-scenes photos of their return to campus, check out "ou_mbasketball" on Instagram.

10:09 a.m. | Ed Harris Voices Intro Video
Hollywood and Norman will intersect on college football Saturdays as the Sooners run onto Owen Field in the company of acclaimed actor and director Ed Harris, who serves as the voice of the team's 2012 intro video. Fans at Owen Field will see it first tonight, then we'll post the video on our live blog at SoonerSports.com:Ed Harris Voices 2012 OU Intro Video | Intro Video Archive

7:48 a.m. | Instagram
We continue to monitor Instagram and Twitter for your posts with the #Sooners and #BeatFAMU hashtags. Keep them coming and you might see your pic on SoonerSports.com:

7:21 a.m. | Oklahoma vs. Florida A&M
Watch for live updates from Owen Field in Norman as the Sooners host the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first home game of the season in Norman. Our Sooner Fan FAQ has complete information for those attending the game and details for fans following the Sooners around the world. #BeatFAMU

SOONER SPORTS PROPERTIES

Sooner Sports Properties, LLC, is the multimedia rights holder for athletics at the University of Oklahoma.
Sooner Sports Properties is a joint venture of Learfield Communications, Tyler Media, LLC and Griffin Television.

PREMIER PARTNERS

POWERED BY FOX SPORTS

Sooner Sports Powered by FOX Sports is a multi-platform network that provides distribution of 1,000+ hours of Sooner sports programming annually on a variety of FOX Sports outlets, including FOX Sports Oklahoma, FOX Sports Southwest, and FOX College Sports.

OU inspires champions today and prepares leaders for tomorrow by enabling its student-athletes to achieve their highest academic, athletic and personal aspirations. The OU Athletics Department sponsors 21 varsity sports with more than 600 student-athletes and is completely self-supporting.